What is Kwon Shu?
It is an ancient, traditional, modern,
progressive, eclectic martial art.
What does eclectic mean?
Selecting the best from diverse
sources.
What does Kwon Shu mean?
Kwon Shu means the law, way, or
path of the fist.
How is it written?
How are the above written characters pronounced?
In Japanese, they are pronounced
kempo. In Chinese they are pronounced chewon fa or chewon shoe. In America
we simply say kwan shoe, but spell it Kwon Shu.
What does the law, way, or path of the fist imply?
It implies that we can use our study
of the martial arts to live a more successful life. Some say studying the
martial arts will help us achieve enlightenment.
How does the study of the martial arts help you live a more successful life?
By developing the six inner powers
which are: concentration, self control, kiai, black belt excellence, goal
setting and respect.
What is concentration?
It is the ability to focus on one thing.
With what do we focus?
We focus our eyes, mind and body.
How do we focus our eyes?
We look at one thing we are focusing on.
Do we use black dot or white dot focus?
We use both.
What's the difference between the two?
In white dot focus, also called laser focus, we focus our eyes on the subject and attempt to exclude all additional stimuli. We use this type of focus while performing basics and kata. Black dot focus is where your eyes may look at one thing but your awareness expands beyond what your eyes can see. Some zen masters have referred to it as "seeing with your ears and hearing with your eyes." We use black dot focus while performing self defense techniques and while sparring.
Why are the eyes so important?
They are referred to as the "windows to the mind."
How do you focus your mind?
At the beginning level we focus our mind by concentrating on what we're looking at or what we're listening to. At the higher levels we focus our minds through various meditation activities. The simplest is called zazen. All you do is sit and think of nothing. If an idea comes into your mind, acknowledge that it happened and clear your mind again and start over. Do this every day for one week. Then begin counting your breaths. Start at one and count to ten. If an idea other than the number next comes into your mind, start your counting over. Once you can steel your mind to be able to count to ten, either count up to that number and begin counting backward to zero or pick a higher number to reach.
How else can you develope your mind?
Grandmaster Ed Parker used to say that one of the best ways to develope the mind is through memorization drills. Other ways include studying mathematics and great literature and through reading in general.
How do you focus your body?
Through correct postures and motions.
What kinds of motion are there?
Individual and that versus an opponent.
What are the two types of individual movement?
Basics and Kata.
What are the two types of movement versus an opponent?
Self defense and sparring.
What is self control?
It is the ability to control yourself.
What three things must you control?
Your mind, body and spirit.
How do you control your mind?
Through concentration.
What three ways do we control our bodies?
By developing discipline, controlling our temper and by always doing the right thing.
What are the two types of discipline?
Intrinsic and extrinsic.
Which is better?
Intrinsic.
How do we control our temper?
Through sparring, meditation, counting
to ten, whistling a happy tine, or singing your favorite song.
(c) 1999 BLOCKS L.C. OREM, UT 801/224-5000
For more information on Bobby Larence Karate, write to: Bobby Lawrence Karate Schools 976 South State Street Orem, Utah 84058 Copyright April 29, 1999 - All rights reserved. (c) 1999 by David Close, Jr. Thanks for visiting my site. Right now, I am serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can reach me at the below address: Pouch Elder David Close, Jr. Philippines Ilagan Mission 50 E. North Temple Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-0001 U.S.A. I would love to hear from you, so write to me. Thanks again!